Shrines of France with Holy Spirit Catholic Church and Elizabeth Poole-Sliman
Shrines of France
Nine days from Lourdes to Paris, by way of Toulouse, Paray-le-Monial, Ars, Nevers and Lisieux, with Mass along the way and an optional post-tour extension to Rome.
Your spiritual guide
Elizabeth Poole-Sliman
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
“In the heart of the Church, my Mother, I shall be love.”
St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Story of a Soul
St. Thérèse found her vocation in love. On our last full day we travel to Lisieux to visit her home and the Carmelite Monastery, and celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. Thérèse.
The Basilica of St. Thérèse · Lisieux
France, July 5 to 13, 2027
Nine days, seven nights in Lourdes, Toulouse, Ars-sur-Formans and Paris, with Bartrès, Paray-le-Monial, Nevers and Lisieux along the way.
Begins in Lourdes and ends in Paris
OvernightVisit
Nights: 2 Lourdes, 1 Toulouse, 1 Ars, 3 Paris.
Departure
Our overnight flight departs for Lourdes from our local airport.
Lourdes
Morning arrival into Lourdes. This afternoon, we will visit the Grotto of Massabielle, where the healing waters flow. In the evening, we will attend the candlelight procession.
Basilica of St. Pius X
We’ll attend the International Mass, concelebrated by our spiritual director in the underground Basilica of St. Pius X. After Mass, we’ll have a guided tour of St. Bernadette’s home, the basilica, and her environs, giving us a deeper understanding of St. Bernadette’s life and her relationship with Mary, the Immaculate. This afternoon we will walk and pray in the Eucharistic Procession.
Bartrès & Toulouse
This morning, we depart for Bartrès, where St. Bernadette lived for a time before the apparitions at Lourdes. We will visit the village and walk part of the pilgrim’s path connected to the historic Way of St. James. Following our visit, we continue to Toulouse. Upon arrival, we visit the Church of the Jacobins, where St. Thomas Aquinas is buried.
Toulouse, Paray-le-Monial & Ars-sur-Formans
This morning we take a short flight from Toulouse to Lyon. Upon arrival we travel to Paray-le-Monial, where we visit the Shrine of the Sacred Heart and the Chapel of the Visitation. We celebrate Mass here, where Jesus revealed His Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque during a series of apparitions. We then continue to Ars-sur-Formans, the village where St. John Vianney served as pastor.
Ars-sur-Formans, Nevers & Paris
This morning we visit the Shrine of St. John Vianney in Ars and celebrate Mass, praying at the incorrupt body of the Curé of Ars. We then depart for Nevers to visit the convent where St. Bernadette spent the final years of her life and where her incorrupt body rests today. Afterwards, we continue on to Paris in time for dinner.
Paris
After breakfast this morning we will get an overview of the City of Light, where we’ll see the Champs-Élysées, the Seine River, Les Invalides and the Eiffel Tower. In the afternoon we will visit the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal on Rue du Bac. Here, Our Lady appeared to St. Catherine Labouré and asked her to have a medal made with the inscription: “O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”
Lisieux
After breakfast, we travel northwest for an excursion to Lisieux. We’ll visit the home and Carmelite Monastery of St. Thérèse, the “Little Flower.” Our spiritual director will celebrate Mass for us at the Basilica of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. In the afternoon, we return to Paris to visit the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris. Tonight we gather for our farewell dinner.
Return home
With a deeper love for Mary, gratitude to God, and wonderful memories of our pilgrimage, we board our plane for our flight home.
Optional post-tour extension to Rome, July 13 to 16
Explore “The Eternal City” and all the marvels Rome has to offer, including the opportunity to experience a Papal Audience with the Holy Father. Visit important Catholic sites such as the Holy Stairs and the Minor Basilicas.
You’ll also explore historic landmarks, including the Trevi Fountain. Tour the Catacombs of Rome, the world’s largest underground Christian burial site. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, art, and cuisine of Italy on this unforgettable Catholic pilgrimage.
What’s included
Everything below is covered by the package price.
Your hotels in France
Four-star hotels throughout: two nights in Lourdes, one in Toulouse, one in Ars-sur-Formans and three in Paris. Hotels are subject to final confirmation; if a hotel changes, it is replaced with one of the same standard.
“It was so nice not to have to worry about any details, they took care of everything!”
“Each site was thought out about why and how to pray there.”
“I am personally grateful for your considerable time and effort in making the trip a successful and prayerful experience.”
Questions pilgrims ask
Short answers to what most people want to know before they put down a deposit.
It is a touring pilgrimage by motorcoach, with a short flight from Toulouse to Lyon and long coach days from Ars to Paris and from Paris to Lisieux. Expect about 1 to 2 miles of walking on a typical day. Days usually start around 7am and end back at the hotel between 5pm and 6pm. Most walking is around the shrines, with some slopes and stairs at Lourdes.
You can have a room to yourself, with a single room supplement of $1,000, or share a room. On the optional Rome extension, the single room supplement is $400. If you would like to share, we will do our best to match you with a roommate. If we cannot find a match by April 6, 2027, the single room supplement applies. Couples, families, friends and singles are all welcome, and plenty of pilgrims come on their own.
Lunches, donations at Masses, souvenirs and laundry, and the cost of a passport if you need one. A typical lunch costs about $15 to $20. Tips are at your discretion: as a guide, $8 to $10 per person per day for your tour guide and $6 to $8 for your driver. Travel insurance if you choose it, and a 3% fee if you pay by card. Abroad, we recommend paying for most things by credit card, which is accepted almost everywhere and comes with protection that cash does not; bring a couple hundred U.S. dollars in cash for emergencies. When a card machine or ATM asks whether to pay in dollars or in the local currency (euros in France and Italy), choose the local currency; it is almost always cheaper.
Cancel in writing. Up to April 6, 2027 (90 days before departure), everything you have paid is returned except $200. After that date, the $450 deposit and any costs we cannot recover are kept. Travel insurance may cover a cancellation, depending on the reason.
Elizabeth Poole-Sliman, Spiritual Guide at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, leads the group from the parish.
More answers in the FAQ below and in our Support Center, or call us at +1 (800) 653-0017.
Price per person
Per person, including roundtrip group airfare. Premium economy and business class are available: call us for pricing.
Shared rooms are always doubles with two beds. If you would like us to match you with a roommate, tell us when you book and we will do our best. Please note that if we cannot find you a match by the final payment date of April 6, 2027, the single room supplement will apply.
Couples, families, friends, singles, all are welcome!
Some pilgrims come as a couple, some bring the whole family, some come with a friend from the parish, and plenty come on their own. Everyone is welcome.
$200 per person is non-refundable.
Final payment is due 90 days before departure. Payment plans are available if you would like to make smaller payments before then.
Check
ACH bank transfer
Zelle
Cash, money order or cashier’s check
Lourdes, Ars, Lisieux and Paris
July 5 to 13, 2027, with Elizabeth Poole-Sliman and Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Reserve today with a $450 deposit per pilgrim.
Questions? Call +1 (800) 653-0017 or email hello@canterburypilgrimages.com.
Secure your spot today with a $450 deposit per pilgrim.
Frequently asked questions
This is an active program that covers a good amount of ground each day. Expect a wake-up call around 7am, departure by 9am and a return to the hotel between 5pm and 6pm. You should be able to walk 1 to 2 miles a day at a moderate pace, with uneven surfaces, stairs, cobblestones and some slopes. The route includes a short flight from Toulouse to Lyon and long coach days from Ars to Paris and from Paris to Lisieux.
July in France is usually warm to hot, with long days. Lourdes, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, can see afternoon showers and storms. Bring light layers for the evening processions, a rain jacket or umbrella and comfortable walking shoes.
Yes. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date, and passport cards are not accepted for international travel. We need your passport details at least 90 days before departure. Entry rules for Europe can change, so we will let you know before departure if anything new applies to your trip.
An optional extension from July 13 to 16, 2027, after the pilgrimage, priced at $1,495 per person sharing, with a $400 single room supplement. Tell us at registration if you would like to add it.
Yes. The price includes group airfare, so call us for a price without flights. Tell us at registration so we can line your arrival up with the group’s in Lourdes on July 6 and its departure from Paris on July 13.
Final payment is due on April 6, 2027, 90 days before departure. Payment plans are available if you would like to make smaller payments before then.
We strongly encourage travel insurance for all of our pilgrims, and we partner with Allianz Travel Insurance to offer affordable coverage. Most of our pilgrims choose the Classic Plan. Insurance can be quoted and purchased after registration.
A pilgrimage is not a vacation or excursion but a unique spiritual journey that provides many opportunities to deepen your relationship with God and enrich your Catholic faith by bringing Scripture to life. Pilgrimages offer the opportunity to let Christ draw you near.
More questions are answered in our Support Center, covering booking, payments, travel insurance, passports and what to expect on pilgrimage.
Pilgrimage to Italy with St. John Fisher Parish
Pilgrimage to Italy
Eleven days in Assisi and Rome, by way of Siena and Orvieto, praying at the tombs of St. Francis, St. Clare and St. Carlo Acutis and at Rome’s major basilicas, with daily Mass.
Your parish
St. John Fisher Parish
This pilgrimage is organised for St. John Fisher Parish, with daily Mass and the sacraments throughout.
“We adore you, Lord Jesus Christ, here and in all your churches in the whole world, and we bless you, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.”
St. Francis of Assisi, Testament
The prayer St. Francis taught his brothers to say in every church they passed. We spend four nights in Assisi, with Mass at St. Mary of the Angels and at the Sanctuary of the Spogliazione.
The Basilica of St. Francis · Assisi
Italy, July 12 to 22, 2027
Eleven days, nine nights in Assisi and Rome, with Siena, Orvieto and the Eremo delle Carceri along the way, and Mass each day.
Begins and ends in Rome
OvernightVisit
Nights: 4 Assisi, 5 Rome.
Departure from the United States
Our pilgrimage begins as we depart the United States on our overnight flight to Italy.
Arrival in Rome & transfer to Assisi
Upon arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, we are greeted by our local guide and board our private motorcoach for the scenic drive to Assisi through the beautiful Umbrian countryside. After checking into our hotel, we gather this evening for a welcome dinner to begin our pilgrimage together.
Assisi, Basilica of St. Francis & Basilica of St. Clare
We begin with a guided tour of the Basilica of St. Francis, admiring its stunning frescoes and venerating his tomb. We continue to the Basilica of St. Clare to view the San Damiano Cross that spoke to St. Francis, calling him to conversion. After free time for lunch, we walk through the charming streets of Assisi, visiting the birthplace of St. Francis and other key sites, and celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, home to the Porziuncola, the small chapel where St. Francis spent much of his life.
Assisi, Eremo delle Carceri & Sanctuary of the Spogliazione
Today we journey to the peaceful Eremo delle Carceri, a hermitage nestled in the hills where St. Francis and his followers retreated for prayer and contemplation, with time for personal reflection in this serene setting. In the afternoon we visit the Church of San Damiano, where St. Clare lived and where St. Francis received his calling to rebuild the Church. We continue to the Sanctuary of the Spogliazione to venerate the tomb of St. Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, and celebrate Mass here. The evening is left free to explore Assisi’s local shops and cafes before dinner.
Siena day trip
We travel today to Siena, a city rich in Catholic heritage. We begin at the Basilica of San Domenico, home to the relics of St. Catherine of Siena, Doctor of the Church and co-patroness of Europe, where we celebrate Mass. We continue to the Siena Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture, and explore the Piazza del Campo, famed for the Palio horse race.
Orvieto & transfer to Rome
After breakfast we bid farewell to Assisi and travel toward Rome, stopping in the hilltop town of Orvieto to visit the magnificent Orvieto Cathedral, home to the corporal of the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena, when in 1263 a consecrated host began to bleed as a doubting priest celebrated Mass. We celebrate Mass here before continuing to Rome.
Rome, Major Basilicas
Today we visit three of Rome’s four major basilicas, beginning with St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, and the Holy Stairs, venerated as the steps Christ ascended during his trial before Pontius Pilate. We continue to St. Mary Major, one of the oldest churches dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, where we visit the tomb of Pope Francis. In the afternoon we visit St. Paul Outside the Walls to venerate the tomb of St. Paul the Apostle. We celebrate Mass at one of these sacred sites, with free time in the evening to explore Rome.
Ancient Rome
We step back in time to explore Ancient Rome, beginning with a guided tour of the Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire, and the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient political life. We visit Palatine Hill, the legendary founding site of Rome. After free time for lunch, we walk along the Appian Way, one of the earliest roads of the Roman Republic, and visit the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, where early Christians gathered and were buried, and celebrate Mass.
Free day in Rome
Our free day in Rome is left at leisure to rest or explore on your own, with transportation to and from the city center provided in the morning and afternoon. You may wish to visit the Pantheon or toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome.
Papal Audience & Vatican City
Our final full day in Rome begins in Vatican City. If available, we attend the Papal Audience with the Holy Father in St. Peter’s Square, held each Wednesday morning, schedule permitting. We then enter St. Peter’s Basilica, the heart of the Catholic Church. After lunch we tour the Vatican Museums, marveling at the treasures of the Church, including the Sistine Chapel beneath Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling. We celebrate a final Mass at a Vatican chapel together and gather for a farewell dinner, sharing memories from our pilgrimage.
Return home
With hearts renewed by the grace of pilgrimage and the intercession of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, we transfer to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport for our return flight home to the United States.
What’s included
Everything below is covered by the package price.
Your hotels in Assisi and Rome
Four-star hotels throughout: four nights in Assisi and five in Rome. Hotels are subject to final confirmation; if a hotel changes, it is replaced with one of the same standard.
“As a group leader, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”
“Thank you for taking care of the day to day details, leaving all of us free to focus on prayer and spiritual growth”
“As a Catholic family, they understand the meaning of a pilgrimage.”
Questions pilgrims ask
Short answers to what most people want to know before they put down a deposit.
It is a touring pilgrimage by motorcoach. Expect about 2 to 3 miles of walking on a typical day, more on the Ancient Rome day. Days usually start around 7am and end back at the hotel between 5pm and 6pm. Assisi and Orvieto are hilltop towns with steep streets and stairs, and Rome has cobblestones.
You can have a room to yourself, with a single room supplement of $995, or share a room. If you would like to share, we will do our best to match you with a roommate. If we cannot find a match by April 13, 2027, the single room supplement applies. Couples, families, friends and singles are all welcome, and plenty of pilgrims come on their own.
Lunches, donations at Masses, souvenirs and laundry, and the cost of a passport if you need one. A typical lunch costs about $15 to $20. Tips are at your discretion: as a guide, $8 to $10 per person per day for your tour guide and $6 to $8 for your driver. Travel insurance if you choose it, and a 3% fee if you pay by card. Abroad, we recommend paying for most things by credit card, which is accepted almost everywhere and comes with protection that cash does not; bring a couple hundred U.S. dollars in cash for emergencies. When a card machine or ATM asks whether to pay in dollars or in the local currency (euros in Italy), choose the local currency; it is almost always cheaper.
Cancel in writing. Up to April 13, 2027 (90 days before departure), everything you have paid is returned except $200. After that date, the $450 deposit and any costs we cannot recover are kept. Travel insurance may cover a cancellation, depending on the reason.
The group travels from St. John Fisher Parish, with daily Mass throughout.
More answers in the FAQ below and in our Support Center, or call us at +1 (800) 653-0017.
Price per person
Per person, including roundtrip group airfare. Premium economy and business class are available: call us for pricing.
Shared rooms are always doubles with two beds. If you would like us to match you with a roommate, tell us when you book and we will do our best. Please note that if we cannot find you a match by the final payment date of April 13, 2027, the single room supplement will apply.
Couples, families, friends, singles, all are welcome!
Some pilgrims come as a couple, some bring the whole family, some come with a friend from the parish, and plenty come on their own. Everyone is welcome.
$200 per person is non-refundable.
Final payment is due 90 days before departure. Payment plans are available if you would like to make smaller payments before then.
Check
ACH bank transfer
Zelle
Cash, money order or cashier’s check
Assisi, Siena and Rome
July 12 to 22, 2027, with St. John Fisher Parish. Reserve today with a $450 deposit per pilgrim.
Questions? Call +1 (800) 653-0017 or email hello@canterburypilgrimages.com.
Secure your spot today with a $450 deposit per pilgrim.
Frequently asked questions
This is an active program that covers a good amount of ground each day. Expect a wake-up call around 7am, departure by 9am and a return to the hotel between 5pm and 6pm. You should be able to walk 2 to 3 miles a day at a moderate pace, with uneven surfaces, stairs, cobblestones and some slopes. Assisi and Orvieto are hilltop towns with steep streets.
July in central Italy is hot and sunny, often in the 90s °F in Rome. Bring light clothing, a hat, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle. Churches and the Vatican require modest dress, with shoulders and knees covered, so pack a light scarf or layer.
Yes. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date, and passport cards are not accepted for international travel. We need your passport details at least 90 days before departure. Entry rules for Europe can change, so we will let you know before departure if anything new applies to your trip.
The Papal Audience is held on Wednesday mornings in St. Peter’s Square when the Holy Father is in Rome, and we attend it on July 21 if it is held. Audiences are often paused in July for the summer, so we cannot promise it.
Yes. The price includes group airfare; if you book your own flights, the price is reduced by $1,000. Tell us at registration so we can line your arrival up with the group’s in Rome on July 13 and its departure from Rome on July 22.
Final payment is due on April 13, 2027, 90 days before departure. Payment plans are available if you would like to make smaller payments before then.
We strongly encourage travel insurance for all of our pilgrims, and we partner with Allianz Travel Insurance to offer affordable coverage. Most of our pilgrims choose the Classic Plan. Insurance can be quoted and purchased after registration.
A pilgrimage is not a vacation or excursion but a unique spiritual journey that provides many opportunities to deepen your relationship with God and enrich your Catholic faith by bringing Scripture to life. Pilgrimages offer the opportunity to let Christ draw you near.
More questions are answered in our Support Center, covering booking, payments, travel insurance, passports and what to expect on pilgrimage.
Italy & Greece Pilgrimage with Holy Family Catholic Church
Italy & Greece Pilgrimage
Twelve days from Rome to Athens, from the Vatican and the tomb of St. Paul to Philippi, Thessaloniki, Meteora, Delphi and Corinth, with an optional pre-stay in Sorrento from October 2.
Your chaplain and group leader
Fr. Bill McNeeley
Sherri McNeeley
“I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7
St. Paul’s words near the end of his life. We pray at his burial site at St. Paul Outside the Walls, then follow his steps in Greece at Kavala, Philippi, Thessaloniki, Mars Hill and Corinth.
St. Paul · Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Rome
Italy & Greece, October 4 to 15, 2027
Twelve days, ten nights in Rome, Thessaloniki, Kalambaka, Delphi and Athens, with the Papal Audience, the major basilicas of Rome and the places St. Paul preached in Greece.
Begins in Rome and ends in Athens
OvernightVisit
Nights: 4 Rome, 1 Thessaloniki, 1 Kalambaka, 2 Delphi, 2 Athens.
Departure
Our pilgrimage begins as we board our flight(s) to Rome today.
Arrival in Rome
Upon arrival in Rome, we’ll check into our hotel and enjoy our welcome dinner for our pilgrimage.
Vatican City & The Papal Audience
We set out early to take our places in St. Peter’s Square by 7:30 for the Wednesday General Audience with the Holy Father (subject to his schedule). Pilgrims are encouraged to bring medals, rosaries, and other religious items for a blessing. The pope delivers a speech, followed by prayers and a homily, and concludes with a blessing. After lunch, we will tour the Vatican Museum, exploring the Tapestry Gallery, Raphael Rooms, and the Sistine Chapel. Our day ends at St. Peter’s Basilica, where we view Michelangelo’s Pieta and the tomb of Pope St. John Paul II, and walk through the basilica, finishing at the Tomb of St. Peter.
Historic Rome and Catacombs
After breakfast, we will embark on a historic tour of Ancient Rome. We will stroll along cobblestone streets, lined with majestic stone pines, and visit the Colosseum, a grand amphitheater of the ancient world. Along the way we’ll stop for prayer at the Basilica of Saint Clement. Passing by the Roman Forum, we will witness the ruins of ancient government buildings. We’ll finish the day visiting the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, a resting place of several popes from the 2nd to 4th centuries. Optional walking tour of the Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps this evening.
Major Roman Basilicas
Today is dedicated to the Major Basilicas. We will start at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls and visit the burial site of St. Paul. Next, we’re off to the Church of St. Mary Major where pilgrims can view what is said to be the wood relics of the Holy Crib of the Nativity of Jesus. After lunch, we visit the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the “Mother of all Churches in the World,” and the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome. Here, we will celebrate Mass and have the opportunity to climb the Lateran Steps. Lastly, we’ll visit the Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme to see the relics of the Holy Cross which St. Helena brought from the Holy Land to Rome.
Flight to Thessaloniki, Kavala & Philippi
We bid farewell to Rome and fly to Thessaloniki, Greece, where we will meet our professional tour escort and depart for our guided tour beginning with Kavala, the port where Paul first landed with Timothy and Silas. We then continue on to Philippi, where Paul was imprisoned. View the prison, the marketplace, basilica, and theater. We’ll also visit Amphipolis, the famous starting point of Alexander the Great on his mission to “conquer the world.”
Thessaloniki
Today, we will walk the places where St. Paul walked in Thessalonica, including the Agora where he preached and the walls where Jason’s home was and where St. Paul also lived. We will also see St. George Church, the Galerius Arch, and the Church of Hagia Sophia and the Basilica of St. Demetrios. We drive to Kalambaka this afternoon.
Meteora Monastery
Today we will visit Metéora, where we will ascend huge granite rocks to view architectural wonders that are over 700 years old. Visit the monastery of Metamorphosis with its church and museum containing priceless historic and religious treasures. Later we drive to Delphi.
Delphi
After breakfast, we begin our exploration of Delphi, once considered the center of the ancient world. We will visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of Athens, the Theater, and the Stadium, where ancient Pythian Games were held. In the afternoon, visit the Archaeological Museum of Delphi, housing the famous Charioteer of Delphi and other remarkable artifacts. Enjoy some leisure time in the modern town of Delphi or take in the scenic views of Mount Parnassus.
Delphi
This morning we continue exploring Delphi and its surroundings. Visit the Monastery of Hosios Loukas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning Byzantine mosaics. We’ll enjoy an afternoon in the charming mountain village of Arachova. We head to Athens in time for check-in and dinner.
Athens & Corinth
After breakfast, we’ll visit the Acropolis and the ruins of the Parthenon, and Mars Hill with a view to the Ancient Agora of Athens: St. Paul addressed the judges of Athens at Mars Hill. We will also enjoy a visit to the ancient city of Corinth before heading back to Athens. We’ll share a special farewell dinner tonight.
Return home
With a renewed sense of pilgrimage, and an invigorated love of our Catholic faith, we transfer to the Athens Airport and board our return flight(s) home.
Optional Sorrento pre-stay, October 2 to 5, 2027
Saturday, October 2: Depart for Naples, Italy. Our pre-stay in Sorrento begins as we board our flight(s) to Naples today.
Sunday, October 3: Arrival in Naples. Upon arrival in Naples, we’ll check into our hotel and enjoy dinner. Overnight in Sorrento.
Monday, October 4: Leisure day in Sorrento. After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll enjoy a full day to catch some rest and explore Sorrento at our own leisure, maybe taking a walking tour, going shopping, enjoying a wine tasting, or all of the above. We’ll save time for the Rosary and Mass later this afternoon, followed by dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Sorrento.
Tuesday, October 5: Leisure morning in Sorrento, transfer to Rome. We’ll start the day with Rosary and Mass this morning, followed by breakfast at the hotel. More free time on our own before departing Sorrento for Rome this afternoon. We’ll arrive at our hotel in Rome, check in and enjoy our welcome dinner for our pilgrimage. Overnight in Rome.
The itinerary continues on Wednesday, October 6 with the main pilgrimage.
What’s included
Everything below is covered by the package price.
Your hotels in Italy and Greece
Four-star hotels throughout: four nights in Rome, one in Thessaloniki, one in Kalambaka, two in Delphi and two in Athens, plus two nights in Sorrento for those joining the pre-stay. Hotels are subject to final confirmation; if a hotel changes, it is replaced with one of the same standard.
“Our pilgrimage to Greece, Turkey, and the Holy Land was a blessing for all 100 participants and my assistants.”
“As a group leader, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”
“I am personally grateful for your considerable time and effort in making the trip a successful and prayerful experience.”
Questions pilgrims ask
Short answers to what most people want to know before they put down a deposit.
It is a touring pilgrimage by motorcoach, with one flight from Rome to Thessaloniki. Expect about 2 to 3 miles of walking on a typical day, with cobblestones in Rome, uneven ground at the ancient sites, and the main climbs at the Meteora monasteries, Delphi and the Acropolis. Days usually start with a wake-up call around 7am, departure by 9am and a return to the hotel between 5pm and 6pm.
You can have a room to yourself, with a single room supplement of $1,000, or share a room. If you would like to share, we will do our best to match you with a roommate. If we cannot find a match by July 6, 2027, the single room supplement applies. Couples, families, friends and singles are all welcome, and plenty of pilgrims come on their own. The optional Sorrento pre-stay has its own single room supplement of $200.
Lunches, donations at Masses, souvenirs and laundry. A typical lunch costs about $15 to $20. Tips are at your discretion: as a guide, $8 to $10 per person per day for your tour guide and $6 to $8 for your driver. Travel insurance if you choose it, and a 3% fee if you pay by card. Abroad, we recommend paying for most things by credit card, which is accepted almost everywhere and comes with protection that cash does not; bring a couple hundred U.S. dollars in cash for emergencies. When a card machine or ATM asks whether to pay in dollars or in the local currency (euros in Italy and Greece), choose the local currency; it is almost always cheaper.
Cancel in writing. Up to July 6, 2027 (90 days before departure), everything you have paid is returned except $200. After that date, the $450 deposit and any costs we cannot recover are kept. Travel insurance may cover a cancellation, depending on the reason.
Fr. Bill McNeeley and Sherri McNeeley lead the group from Holy Family Catholic Church.
More answers in the FAQ below and in our Support Center, or call us at +1 (800) 653-0017.
Price per person
Per person, including roundtrip group airfare. If you book your own flights, the price is reduced by $1,000.
Shared rooms are always doubles with two beds. If you would like us to match you with a roommate, tell us when you book and we will do our best. Please note that if we cannot find you a match by the final payment date of July 6, 2027, the single room supplement will apply.
Couples, families, friends, singles, all are welcome!
Some pilgrims come as a couple, some bring the whole family, some come with a friend from the parish, and plenty come on their own. Everyone is welcome.
$200 per person is non-refundable.
Final payment is due 90 days before departure. Payment plans are available if you would like to make smaller payments before then.
Check
ACH bank transfer
Zelle
Cash, money order or cashier’s check
Rome and the steps of St. Paul
October 4 to 15, 2027, with Holy Family Catholic Church and Fr. Bill McNeeley. Reserve today with a $450 deposit per pilgrim.
Questions? Call +1 (800) 653-0017 or email hello@canterburypilgrimages.com.
Secure your spot today with a $450 deposit per pilgrim.
Frequently asked questions
This is an active program that covers a good amount of ground each day. Expect a wake-up call around 7am, departure by 9am and a return to the hotel between 5pm and 6pm. You should be able to walk 2 to 3 miles a day at a moderate pace, with uneven surfaces, stairs, cobblestones and some steep slopes, including the steps up to the monasteries at Meteora and the climb at Delphi.
October is usually mild in Rome and warm in Greece, with sunny days and cooler evenings, especially in the mountains at Meteora and Delphi. Rain is possible. Bring layers, a light rain jacket, sun protection and comfortable walking shoes.
Yes. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date, and passport cards are not accepted for international travel. We need your passport details at least 90 days before departure. Entry rules for Europe can change, so we will let you know before departure if anything new applies to your trip.
Rates are per person based on two pilgrims sharing a room. Shared rooms are always doubles with two beds. If you are travelling alone we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender; if we cannot, the single room supplement applies.
Yes. The price includes group airfare; if you book your own flights, the price is reduced by $1,000. Tell us at registration so we can line your arrival up with the group’s in Rome on October 5 and its departure from Athens on October 15, or with the pre-stay in Naples on October 3.
Final payment is due on July 6, 2027, 90 days before departure. Payment plans are available if you would like to make smaller payments before then.
We strongly encourage travel insurance for all of our pilgrims, and we partner with Allianz Travel Insurance to offer affordable coverage. Most of our pilgrims choose the Classic Plan. Insurance can be quoted and purchased after registration.
A pilgrimage is not a vacation or excursion but a unique spiritual journey that provides many opportunities to deepen your relationship with God and enrich your Catholic faith by bringing Scripture to life. Pilgrimages offer the opportunity to let Christ draw you near.
More questions are answered in our Support Center, covering booking, payments, travel insurance, passports and what to expect on pilgrimage.